[Solo Performance at the US Super Bowl]
"Saito-san... you're not joking, right? A real solo performance?"
As Sakamoto Ryuichi pointed at the Super Bowl performance listed in the proposal with a trembling finger, Saito Ichigo simply nodded, as if wondering why it was such a big deal.
"I'm telling you because the NFL sent a scouting request. Besides, for stars of our caliber, this is only natural."
"If it's a solo performance... shouldn't we prepare a new song or something?!"
In truth, performing solo at the Super Bowl meant one had wielded enough influence to leave a permanent mark on history. For context, the only artists who had enjoyed the glory of a solo Super Bowl halftime show were titans like The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, or Paul McCartney.
"Leader, do we really need a new song?"
"Revealing a new track at a major venue is a trick we've used several times... I wonder if we really need to go that far."
Despite the prestige of the stage, the original members of Enfants Terribles showed nothing but a lukewarm reaction.
In the end, a band must prove itself through music.
Having already made history by mobilizing 750,000 people over three days at Knebworth House, Enfants Terribles no longer cared about gossip regarding ticket queues or how many bodies they could pack into a stadium.
To the members, a solo Super Bowl performance was little more than that kind of noise. They believed the legacy an artist leaves across generations is not defined by 'activities' like performances and tours, but by the 'music' left behind in the form of a solid album.
"Sakamoto, where we perform and what we do doesn't really matter."
"I agree with the Leader. The stories about the trouble we cause and our tours are true, but they're just things the media blows out of proportion to sell newspapers. It doesn't matter. The media's hype only lasts a week at most, or until some other brat causes a different scandal."
The Bald Bassist chimed in, leaning back comfortably.
"In the end, we have to put out an album. A damn great album. What matters are the songs; what people remember are the albums and the anthemic shows we put on.
Twenty years from now, people won't listen to our records just because the trouble we stirred up was 'rock 'n' roll' or whatever."
Ultimately, a great band is one that makes ordinary people—who have never held an instrument in their lives—want to pick one up, and one that can make the public understand and accept their passion through the music itself.
"Right. Just as our damn bald star said, the album is the most important thing. In that sense, I'm glad this album's production is going smoothly without us tearing at each other's throats."
"It's true, we haven't fought once during this production."
"And eight songs are already finished..."
As he spoke, Saito Ichigo's expression crumpled significantly.
"The demo songs we're going to record are beyond excellent... but... Hide... there isn't a single song composed by you?"
"Saito, I suppose it's finally time for my well to run dry."
"You damn star... you're the leader of Enfants Terribles, not Shuji."
Originally, a band's album production isn't led by one person; it's a collaborative effort where all members actively participate in songwriting and composing, providing feedback and comparing their works.
"Listen, if you're in a slump or something, you have to be honest with me. I'm telling you this as your guardian, even before my role as the president of Ichigo Production."
"Sato, don't worry too much. I'm just trying to take it a bit slow this time."
Hide said this, placed a cigarette between his lips, and walked out of the studio.
I guess I'm finally reaching the bottom of the bag.
Inside Hide's head, there was an immense pressure to create a song as quickly as possible, but no inspiration flowed, as if a dam had been erected across his mind.
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